Come to the OGWN Election Night LIVE special at The Tabernacle, London W11. Tickets here. Genny Lex 2024 is heating up as Starmer and Sunak hit the campaign trail. The Labour leader has been talking nukes whilst Sunak focuses on culture wars (no surprise there then). And, [sighs] Nigel Farage is back in politics. What does his return mean for the Tories and the impending election? Plus, is anyone actually looking forward to the TV debates? Or are they just a massive waste of time? We’re on YouTu...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 327
Rishi Sunak is clearly terrible at politics, as the Election campaign is showing. Will his lack of ability give the Tory Party a smokescreen for their awful record? Plus, Diane Abbott and Jeremy Corbyn were once Labour stalwarts – but now the left wingers are clashing heavily with Starmer. Could Corbyn win as an independent? Plus, in the Extra Bit for subscribers, why is Britain so obsessed with private schools? We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatno...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 326
Rishi Sunak says he’ll bring back national service for all you IDLE YOUTH in his latest raft of randomly selected policies. Will putting teenagers in the military turn it around for the Tories come July? Doubtful. Plus, international trade! As yet more Brexit turkeys come home to roost we welcome back global commerce megabrain Dmitry Grozoubinski – author of Why Politicians Lie About Trade... and What You Need to Know About It – to update us on matters of import. And export. Buy Why Politicians ...
May 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 325
It seems like a lifetime ago that Rishi Sunak called the General Election – even though it’s only been a couple of days. So, how has it gone in the aftermath of that rainy day in Downing Street? Ros Taylor joins Jacob Jarvis to talk about the state of the race so far in the first of what we’re sure will be many bonus podcast updates. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more. Presented b...
May 24, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 324
Rishi Sunak has only gone and done it – a General Election will finally happen on July 4. Why now? In a super speed podcast put together in the aftermath of the rainiest Number 10 announcement on record, we discuss the new hottest date on the British political calendar. Plus we talk about the colossal scandals where justice has either been delayed or denied. And in the extra bit – it’s the end of Newsnight as we know it, what does the panel think to the BBC’s cost cutting? We’re on YouTube!: htt...
May 23, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 323
And here’s Part 2 of our live show in London. Strap in as the panel discuss the thorniest question in politics – who was REALLY the worst PM of the modern Tory era? – and then take some of your questions. It’s live entertainment at its best! Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more. Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, Alex Andreou and Jan Ravens. Live audio by Simon Williams, production by Robin Leeburn. Zoom livestream by Chris Jone...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 322
Join the regulars plus our special guest, doyenne of impressionists Jan Ravens, for OGWN: It’s Grim Up North London at the King’s Head Theatre in Woke Islington. In part one: After the last election we thought there wouldn’t be another Labour government for decades. How can things change so fast in five years? And Jan reads from great political works by Liz Truss and Nadine Dorries. Part Two coming tomorrow… Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts an...
May 21, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 321
Is Parliament’s vote to ban alleged sex pest MPs the first step towards restoring some respect to the Commons? Plus the Tories are spouting conspiracies again – this time it’s Maria Caulfield and 15-minute cities. What is she on about and what even are 15-minute cities? And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, Apple destroys the tools of creativity in its new iPad advert and no-one is impressed. Do our panel hate it too? Want more from the House of Podmasters? Origin Story Season 5 is out now! Ian ...
May 17, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 320
Rishi Sunak’s speech on Monday was one step short of giving the British public a very dreary ultimatum – vote Tory or else. But with Natalie Elphicke defecting, Nadhim Zahawi stepping down, and Dominic Cummings and Matt Goodwin wanting to create their own parties - can any message Sunak sends to the public give him a chance at the next election? Plus, Keir Starmer announced his plan to tackle immigration last week – what’s in it, and ultimately how does the UK feel about immigration right now? •...
May 14, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 319
Tory failure at the locals was obvious – but the rise of Greens and independents was less clear in advance. What does this mean for Labour and the general election? Plus, it’s 30 years since John Smith died, is he the best Prime Minister Britain never had? Historian and editor of the Tides of History project, Anthony Broxton, joins the panel to discuss. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, the panel discusses the controversy around Baby Reindeer. • “To what extent are the people moving over to ...
May 10, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 318
The Tories got trounced at the locals – we unpack the winners and losers. Plus, we question how the media covered the races, including those who said Susan Hall might do better in London than she did… And with Monty Panesar standing for George Galloway’s party – didn’t have that on our 2024 bingo card – we ask about celebs and sports people going into politics. What are the dos and don’ts? • “Susan Hall basically stood there spitting fire about why she lost and how it wasn’t fair.” – Jonn Elledg...
May 08, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 317
The brand new podcast from the makers of The Bunker. Bewildered by the US Presidential Election? Don’t worry, American Friction has got you. Every Friday Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez of Rolling Stone join expert special guests to count down to America’s most rancorous election in generations. Get the full episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major platforms. Follow us on social media: Twitter Instagram TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob J...
May 05, 2024•9 min•Season 3Ep. 66
As Labour takes Conservative seats across the UK and in the Blackpool South constituency, Ros Taylor joins Jacob Jarvis to work out what it all means. Is it really the Tories’ worst local elections performance in 40 years? Are there any scraps of comfort for Sunak – or is he doomed? Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more. Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing...
May 03, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 316
The US Election is just six months away. How come snoozy Trump still leads in several states, even though he’s in court every day? We’re launching a brand-new US election podcast American Friction and its regular panelist Nikki McCann Ramírez joins OGWN to scope out American’s Final Countdown. Plus, last-minute speculation on the local elections. Are our devolved local institutions really “a hot mess”? And in the Extra Bit for Patreon people: Following the fall of Too Nice Guy Humza Yousaf, when...
May 02, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 315
The right wing press’s feverish attempts to take down Angela Rayner seem to be failing. What’s the secret of Rayner’s appeal and what does the future hold for Labour’s combative Deputy Leader? Plus, the SNP in turmoil as Humza Yousaf’s powerplay against the Greens goes badly wrong, forcing him to quit as Scotland’s First Minister. Scottish writer Gerry Hassan unpacks it for us. And how misty-eyed nostalgia accounts sneak hardline culture war dogwhistles into your mum’s Facebook feed. Final ticke...
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 314
Sunak is still adamant his Rwanda plan will ‘stop the boats’. Will it? We unpack the latest in Tory failure and cruelty. Plus, the local elections are just around the corner and some Tory councillors are literally begging Sunak to stay clear of their constituencies. What should we be looking out for come May 2nd? Then in the Extra Bit for backers, are we heading for a future where all our politicians are weird and wealthy, as Tony Blair puts it? Or are we already there? • “It will cost more to s...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 313
Rishi Sunak has found a new target to pick on – the sick. He claims Britain needs to get rid of its ‘sick note culture’ and he wants work and health professionals to issue the fit notes instead of GPs – what could possibly go wrong? And Starmer might be popular now, but if he’s elected as PM his popularity will likely dwindle and fast. How will he and his party handle that? • “There is a lazy ignorance here born out of not hanging out of hanging out with anyone who has used the benefits system.”...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 312
• Join us for OGWN: It’s Grim Up North London live in Islington on Mon 20 May. Tickets onsale now. Liz Truss’ new book 10 Years To Save the West certainly isn’t a boring read but neither is it a good one. Actor and impressionist Jan Ravens joins the panel to pick through how Truss thought her 45 days of office went compared to reality and all her other ludicrous claims in between. Plus: Sunak’s cigs ban. Is it fair to create two tiers of adult, one blissfully smoke-free and one battering the gas...
Apr 19, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 311
The Middle East is on the verge of all-out war after Iran fired missiles and drones into Israel. Where does Britain stand on this latest escalation – and would we be ready if things get worse? Labour has outlined its hopes to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP – but is that enough? CEO of Chatham House and host of the Independent Thinking podcast Bronwen Maddox talks to Ros Taylor. And it’s a But Your Emails special! Are there any good right-wing podcasts? And what would you replace the mo...
Apr 16, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 310
Reform UK’s candidates have proven to be controversial, to say the least. But, unfortunately, the party seems to be doing ok in the polls. What does Tice’s group actually stand for and what are Reform’s policies? And in the second part, why are we so obsessed with the end of the world? Dorian Lynskey’s new book Everything Must Go: The Stories We Tell about the End of the World explores that very idea – and the panel quizzes him over his latest work. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, Netflix’...
Apr 12, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 309
Britain is the second most powerful country in the world… according to Sunak’s latest desperate brag anyway. You probably saw the weird collage the Tories posted on Twitter — but is there any truth to the party's claims? Or is this just another bizarre fantasy? Plus, Brexit is about to rear its ugly head even higher with new food import charges. What are they and why could they damage consumers and small businesses alike? • “A chair would be a much more impressive communicator than Sunak.” – Mat...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 308
What have fourteen years of Conservative rule done to Britain?, asks Sam Knight in that mega-piece by the New Yorker’s baffled readers. You might well ask, say our panel, who discuss what the world thinks of Britain’s weird experiment on itself. Plus, our special guest the political economist Will Hutton is here to talk about Labour’s options on the economy and his new book This Time No Mistakes: How to Remake Britain. And in the Extra Bit: Which books shaped our panelists’ politics? • “It felt ...
Apr 05, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 307
The Royal Family are experiencing their worst year in decades. Is it time we wound down the Monarchy not just for our sake but for their sake too? Or are things best left the way they are? Plus, Boomers (not all of them we’ll add) are “used to having everything its own way”, says the Economist, but times are changing. Has the time of the Millennials finally come? • “The Monarchy doesn’t provide a service like the BBC or the NHS but I think it’s rational, because it’s been there for such a long t...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 306
While you wait for the next episode of Oh God, What Now? Why don't you give our sister podcast PAPER CUTS a try? PAPER CUTS is the modern press review. We're out Monday to Friday, Miranda Sawyer and guests look at what’s behind the biggest stories, and bring you the weirdest headlines, the biggest scoops and the most astonishing manifestations of mass newspaper neurosis. Guests include Marcus Brigstocke, Rosie Holt, Jon Ellege, Scottee, Jason Hazeley, Daniel Foxx and the BAFTA nominated Gráinne ...
Apr 01, 2024•31 min
What on earth were they thinking? The Conservative Party’s weird, dystopian, GOP-style attack ad on Sadiq Khan shows just how much the party has lost its mind. The panel unpack what was wrong with it and why the Tories might have thought this was a good idea at all. And Jeremy Hunt says £100k a year “doesn’t go far” – is he right? Or is he just massively out of touch? Plus, in the extra bit for subscribers what could replace the Labour Party’s ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ ring-walk tune for the ...
Mar 28, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 305
Is The Sun newspaper starting to pivot towards supporting Keir Starmer? Will any of the rest of the Tory press follow suit? And does political endorsement from a newspaper even matter any more? Plus, double outrage as shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledges that Margaret Thatcher was, you know, quite a big deal. Was she right to do so and why can't we stay level-headed around the Iron Lady? • “I think there’s an acknowledgment from the papers that you can’t ignore Labour anymore.” – Rachel ...
Mar 26, 2024•52 min•Season 2Ep. 304
Rishi Sunak is going for yet another relaunch. Will it work? (Probably not…) Plus, plucky newcomer Vladimir Putin has won the Russian presidential election with a massive landslide of 87% which is DEFINITELY legitimate. What have we learned from this sham election and what does it mean for Russia? Dr Ben Noble is an associate professor of Russian politics at UCL and chats with Alex Andreou. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, will Aaron Taylor-Johnson kick ass as the new James Bond, or will he...
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 303
Why are we so obsessed with ‘The Red Wall’? What does it mean and are the Tories about to lose all of those seats in the North? Plus, new research shows the government’s levelling-up project has not worked… at all. Only 10% of the approved fund has been spent by councils. Why? And were the government’s missions ever achievable? • “The red wall are actually voters who should’ve been Tory for quite a long time.” – Marie Le Conte • “It was more of an F YOU to the whole system.” – Hannah Fearn • “It...
Mar 19, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 302
As the Tories face another racism row, we imagine a world where the Conservative Party simply didn’t exist. Would that be for the best for everyone? Plus, according to new research, only Uzbekistan is more miserable than the UK. What does this tell us about the British psyche? And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, is Kate Middleton just bad at Photoshop or is there a darker conspiracy at play? (PS. It’s definitely the first one.) • “There are certain trends that are making Conservative MPs reall...
Mar 15, 2024•57 min•Season 2Ep. 301
Lee Anderson has thrown a strop and joined Reform UK. What is this political journeyman trying to do – other than seek a load of attention? And, the budget hasn’t managed to win hearts and minds for the Tories. In fact, it made the dial creep in the wrong direction. What will they try next? • “If the Tories choose to radicalise, then I’m sure Lee Anderson could find a home back within the party.” – Hannah Fearn • “Talking up the numbers of defectors is just a way of spooking the Tories.” – Rafae...
Mar 12, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 300
